ABSTRACT

Short-term memory tips:

Read the contents and index of the NEC the night before the exam.

Review practice questions the days before the exam.

Read Sections 690, 705, 706, and other relevant sections of the NEC two days before the exam.

Practice calculator and calculations days before the exam.

If your time is very limited, study practice exam questions in this book.

Find where the exam will be held and where you will park or how you will get there before taking the exam. It would also be a good idea to study there if possible.

State dependent memory: In psychology classes, you may have learned about state dependent memory, which says you will do better if you study under the same conditions that you take the exam. Study at the same time of day and under the same conditions that you will be taking the exam.

Practice with an NEC Codebook that you will bring to the exam if you are allowed.

Do not change your caffeine habits for the exam. Having withdrawal symptoms from not having drunk enough or being too wired can cause focusing problems. Do not worry about falling asleep during the exam; it is too exciting to do that.

Look for clues within other exam questions that will help you along the way and stay sharp, so you can go back quickly.

Take notes on the exam and have a system that will help you when you go back. Mark questions that you were sure you knew differently than questions that you thought you might know differently than the questions that you guess on.

Pay attention to the time. Since it is a 4 hour exam, you should be at least halfway finished after 2 hours. Pace yourself and try to leave 15 minutes at the end to review everything. 13. Never leave the exam early if you are serious about passing. Most people leave early and many people who failed by one question could have passed if they were not so excited about leaving early.

Get as much sleep as possible.

Eat a good breakfast.